The Story...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?


I am inspired by the story, one that has shown me the true depth of resilience, overcoming and healing.  It is the reality of these outcomes that ignites my inspiration and moves me forward as I strive to reach others!  My words today have arrived from a recent conversation with one of my closest confidants, and once again I am invested with the opportunity to share, The Story...

In the field of helping others our arrival, commitment to, and the direction that we may find our careers moving is in fact influenced by many various sources.  Although, one of the most important influences often gets overlooked, The Story...  We all have one, and as different as they might be, they often share similarities that most don't take the time to acknowledge.  They include challenge, hope, resistance, determination, fear and resilience to name but some.  So, why don't we hear more about these stories?  

As helping professionals we are often trained/educated to not self-disclose, or to do so when it is feasible.  The problem here is that most can't figure out the middle ground, and so they either cross the boundary and share too much, or stay far far away from it and don't share anything at all.  Another reason is the "vulnerability" that one is holding on to, feeling as though if they share, it will come across as a weakness or that it may negatively impact their credibility or title.  I ask you to think critically here, as The Story can also be used in one's action and behavior, it does not always have to be spoken.  I believe the reality of one sharing The Story is so connected to their willingness to be accepting of that story...

When you are comfortable with your own truth, and there is enough self-awareness (and evolution) in place, you will have the necessary skills and tools to effectively use The Story...  I encourage you to give this some thought, and while you may find yourself chasing that title, CV, or another line on the resume...  Please ask yourself, how was it possible to get where I am at today?  My hope is that your own story will find you empowered as it has tremendous use, value and opportunity, Can You Hear Me?  Until the next time my words meet your availability, may this find you breathing well...

About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me?  External Field Instructor and Adjunct Lecturer at University of Southern California School of Social Work VAC.  Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work).  He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process as he continues to work towards progress!  More about the man behind the mission⇢

I'm Jumping Back In!

   by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

It has been over a month since I last posted. The idea was to keep my last entry (in support of National Social Work Month 2014) front and center for the entire month as we honored this great profession!  However, as time moved forward I took note and found that I was lacking the needed inspiration and drive to write something new.  If I don't see it, my words will not tap into the passion and drive that is my catalyst behind the process.  I accepted that this was where I was at while recognizing when the time was right I would return.  The time is now and I'm Jumping Back In!

As I find my words today inspired by hope and purpose, I am thinking about my fellow helping professionals who may be in need.  I understand that you may be unable to see it yourself, and that my awareness may not be the same as those I strive to reach.  I fully accept the "why" behind this as our impacted culture, demands of the profession, and those historical factors that are still hanging in the distance have their way...  The outcome here, well they are the ample opportunities that promote disengagement, distraction and the inability to hear.  I mention this because when I write, I do so with the intention that it will find its way to those who are available to hear it when and if.  Hence the name of this forum is a message in of itself: "Don't listen to what I say.  Listen to what I mean." 

I'm Jumping Back In!  The support (i.e. promoting resiliency and advocacy) that I strive to give has to facilitate thinking, encourage risk, and support struggle.  These components are not only necessary for the process, but they are key ingredients towards one changing for the better.  I understand this because I've lived through it as I continue to trust the process.  Therefore, when you find yourself available to what I am sharing, you are more than likely wanting to change, believe you can, and are ready to commit to the necessary work.  Not so simple I get that!  However, this is truly the gateway to resiliency, and I advocate for this with every opportunity I can to the clients and community (in need of the support) that I am striving to reach with Can You Hear Me?  

I'm Jumping Back In!  If you are new to my forum I welcome you to join my efforts while learning through my eyes as I strive to support you, my fellow helping professionals in need.  Here is some further insight into my model as shared in this interview that I was a part of around this time last year.  I think it conveys my history and mission quite well, so when the time is right please feel free.  As always I am available when you are, so by all means contact me when and if!  Until the next time my words meet your availability, may this find you breathing well...
  


About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor and Adjunct Lecturer at University of Southern California School of Social Work VAC.  Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work).  He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process as he continues to work towards progress!  More about the man behind the mission⇢